Sr. Manager, Global Benefits

GLAUKOS - SENIOR MANAGER BENEFITS (Aliso Viejo, CA)

How will you make an impact?

The Senior Manager, Benefits is a strategic and hands-on leader responsible for designing, implementing, communicating, and administering comprehensive global employee benefits programs. This role ensures that benefits and leave programs are competitive, cost-effective, compliant, and aligned with the company's total rewards strategy. The ideal candidate has extensive experience managing self-funded medical plans, global benefit programs, leave of absence administration, and vendor relationships in a dynamic, evolving organization.

What will you do?

• Lead benefits strategy and execution - Oversee the design, implementation, and management of U.S. and global benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, wellness, retirement (e.g., 401(k), NQDC, international pension plans), voluntary benefits, and leave of absence.
• Ensure compliance and risk management - Manage all benefits compliance activities, including 5500 filings, nondiscrimination testing, ACA reporting, and 401(k) audits.
• Optimize global benefits administration - Partner with regional HR leaders and consultants to develop and standardize global benefit plans, policies, and offerings.
• Manage leave of absence programs - Continuously improve processes and systems for medical, parental, personal, and statutory leaves while ensuring compliance with U.S. and international regulations.
• Serve as a compliance expert - Act as the subject matter expert on ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, FMLA, and international benefits regulations.
• Analyze and enhance benefits programs - Evaluate plan performance, cost trends, and employee feedback to refine benefits strategies.
• Collaborate with Finance - Partner with Finance to forecast, monitor, and manage the benefits budget.
• Work with Payroll and Finance teams - Ensure accuracy in benefit deductions, support California VDI budgeting, and manage leave-of-absence pay administration.
• Lead benefits enrollment and change management - Oversee U.S. annual open enrollment and mid-year benefits updates, ensuring seamless execution and employee support.
• Manage vendor relationships - Oversee partnerships with brokers, TPAs, carriers, wellness providers, and global consultants.
• Develop employee communications - Create engaging, inclusive materials to educate employees about benefit programs and drive awareness and utilization.
• Lead and develop the benefits team - Mentor and manage a team while fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Stay ahead of industry trends - Monitor legislation and market trends to ensure compliance and maintain a competitive benefits offering across all regions.

How will you get here?

• Education - Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's degree or relevant certification such as CEBS, SPHR, or GBA preferred).
• Experience - 9+ years of progressive experience in employee benefits, including 3+ years in a leadership role managing self-funded plans.
• Global expertise - Experience managing international benefit programs and working with global vendors and consultants.
• Technical knowledge - Strong understanding of self-insured medical plan operations, stop-loss insurance, claims analysis, and cost-containment strategies.
• Compliance knowledge - In-depth understanding of U.S. and international benefits and leave laws and regulations.
• HR systems proficiency - Experience with HRIS and benefits administration systems.
• Project management and communication skills - Strong ability to lead projects, analyze data, and communicate effectively across teams.
• Experience in a dynamic environment - Background in a global, multi-state organization experiencing rapid growth or transformation.
• Wellness and mental health program expertise - Experience launching or optimizing wellness and mental health initiatives across multiple geographies.